News Line

Council again tables rezoning request
A request to rezone property to make way for apartments was once again tabled by the Woodstock City Council on Monday.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Euharlee council discusses possible K-9 unit, signs
Euharlee Police Chief Terry Harget presented Riki, a Czechoslovakian Shepherd, to the Euharlee City Council during its Tuesday night session. Harget said that Riki was on loan to the department as part of a potential purchase.
Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News

Livable communities workshop opens discussion on planning, strategic growth
A workshop hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission brought public administrators and regional planners from across several states to Cartersville Tuesday to discuss livable communities and strategic growth.
Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News

Downtown gets a spring makeover just in time for 11 Alive’s broadcast Friday
The square is being spruced up this week just in time for 11 Alive's Friday morning broadcast live from Covington, which will feature the downtown.
Source: Covington News

Budget Review Committee: Columbus Councilor Glenn Davis suggests privatizing new natatorium
Frustrated by persistent proposals that the city's new natatorium will operate at a six- or possibly seven-figure annual deficit, Columbus Councilor Glenn Davis suggested Tuesday that the city consider leasing the facility to a private operator or consider a partnership with someone like the YMCA.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

City should look at private options for pool
There isn't any water in the pool but the city's new natatorium is already projecting a $1.2 million deficit.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Citizens speak out on proposed alcohol ordinances after mayor's veto
The Douglasville City Council chambers were filled again Tuesday night with concerned citizens who pleaded their case on how increased alcohol sales would help or hurt the city.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Rossville restricts truck traffic to U.S. 27
Truckers driving big rigs through Rossville will need to stay on U.S. Highway 27 -- or face a $141 fine
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press

Welcome to Valdosta’s newest public art
Driving near the Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts, you may have seen a colorful collection of items arranged along a grassy lot.
Source: Valdosta Daily Times

Bainbridge council adopts youth curfews
In two months’ time, children and youth who go out in public while school is in session, or loiter late at night, might find themselves talking with a police officer.
Source: Bainbridge Post-Searchlight

Sixth grader shares ideas for being mayor
Dawson County Middle School student Jake Moore won the "If I Were Mayor, I Would. . ." essay contest for Dawsonville last month.
Source: Dawson Community News

Residents preview $17 million drainage project for Savannah's Habersham Village area
Habersham Village-area residents huddled around table-sized maps Tuesday to check the planned route of a $17 million drainage project through their neighborhood.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Public art: Don't play Rembrandt
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. That goes for ugliness, too. That probably explains the sharp difference in opinion over the “Before I Die” mural that a local group helped create on the side of an abandoned building on Waters Avenue, a neighborhood fighting back against blight and crime.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Loganville proposes SPLOST project list
Loganville officials are beginning discussions on what projects will utilize the $2.8 million remaining of the city’s share of the current Walton County Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
Source: Walton Tribune

Warner Robins mayor gets members of ‘Greatest Generation’ to sign book
Mayor Chuck Shaheen’s copy of “The Greatest Generation” reads differently than other books.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Tensions surface over Local Option Sales Tax
Butts County commissioners, facing mounting pressure from local city leaders, voted Monday to call for renegotiations of the 1-cent Local Option Sales Tax.
Source: Jackson Progress-Argus

Centerville looking at ending property tax exemption for senior citizens
The City Council agreed Tuesday to work toward terminating the city’s senior citizen property tax exemption.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Weekly garbage collection returning to Augusta
For the first time in a dozen years, Augusta households will see the garbage man only once a week.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Atlanta residents surveyed on city services, give fire department high marks
Atlanta residents surveyed on their satisfaction with city services gave the Fire Rescue Department the highest marks, with 85 percent positive feedback on average.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Macon City Council agrees to purchase building to house city department
After multiple tries, Mayor Robert Reichert’s administration finally pushed a resolution through Macon City Council to buy the former Macon Transfer Co. building at 1000 Seventh St. for $672,500, as a new headquarters for the Central Services Department.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Alpharetta nixes plan to restrict downtown schools
Alpharetta has scrapped plans to temporarily bar schools from locating or expanding in the city's downtown district, a proposal designed to encourage restaurants to help fill the vacant properties along Main Street.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Macon-Bibb County consolidation approval is key to revival, group says
Approving Macon-Bibb County consolidation in the July 31 referendum represents the best chance for the community to reverse 30 years of demographic and economic decline, representatives of the Macon-Bibb Wins Again committee said Tuesday.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in Paris to discuss urban development
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed is participating in two panel discussions during the New Cities Summit this week in Paris.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

West Point police to be equipped with Tasers
After months of debate that divided West Point City Council and local residents, the use of Tasers by West Point police was approved Monday night.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

Jonesboro OKs annexation, funeral home
Proponents of a proposed funeral home won an unofficial battle with a prominent Jonesboro family and a local historical society, Monday, over the use of a small plot of land, with possible historical significance, on Ga. Hwy. 54.
Source: Clayton News Daily

Stockbridge’s Stuart wins AMS ‘Battle of the Mayors’
Residents of Stockbridge will be able to enjoy the festivities at Atlanta Motor Speedway for free, this weekend, as a result of their top government official’s recent triumph behind the wheel of a car.
Source: Henry Daily Herald

City cracks down on zoning laws
The Rome City Commission wants to set up a system of checks to stop businesses from opening in places where they’re not allowed and then asking permission when they’re caught.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

City bus fares may be on the rise
Rome main line bus fares may rise above $1 because of a federal restriction on charges for paratransit service.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

New city commissioner Detrick Redding says that he wants to be a blessing
Rome’s newest city commissioner says there’s only one promise he’ll make to his constituents — to always vote his convictions.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

Mobile app planned for historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery
Visitors to historic Myrtle Hill Cemetery might be able to take a self-guided tour this fall, courtesy of a mobile app being developed by the Greater Rome Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

Kingston approves park improvements
A vote establishing a contract with solid waste disposal company Allied Waste was upheld Monday night as the Kingston City Council discussed several issues.
Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News

City to increase water rates
The Covington City Council approved the first reading of a water rate increase at its May 7 meeting.
Source: Newton Citizen

Hickory Hills Park reopens to applause after $1.7M facelift
Gazing out at what he estimated to be a crowd of 600 to 1,000 delighted children and citizens during the grand reopening of Hickory Hills Park on Friday, Mayor Steve Tumlin compared the scene to a painting.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Canton taking steps to make park path safer
Bikers and pedestrians will soon be able to safely share the walking path at Heritage Park.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Second Department of Corrections audit shows progress being made at Muscogee County Prison
The second state security audit of the Muscogee County Prison in the last seven months shows a significant reduction in problem areas, city officials say.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Duluth amends massage parlor ordinance
Duluth has experienced a continuing problem with crime and unlicensed massages occurring at businesses within the city.
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post

Lilburn amends alcohol ordinance
The Lilburn City Council amended its alcohol beverage ordinance to allow for "hospitality zones" for both for-profit and nonprofit events held in certain areas of downtown and City Park.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Sugar Hill condemns house
More residents than typical attended Sugar Hill City Council's monthly meeting Monday night, mostly to urge the council to perform one of its more distasteful acts.
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post

City grapples with alcohol training proposal
Festival organizers and Springfield city officials still are trying to figure out how best to conduct the fall event — and protect the city’s interests.
Source: Effingham Herald

Person vetoes two alcohol related ordinances approved by city council May 7
Douglasville Mayor Harvey Persons has vetoed two ordinances regarding alcohol that were passed by the Douglasville City Council May 7.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Strand may get closed theater’s city funds
Nonprofits in the city of Marietta have made their annual requests for grants from the city, and at least two councilmen say the Earl Smith Strand Theatre should get money previously allocated to the Theatre in the Square.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

City council nixes fess for annexations
The city of Winder wants you. That’s the message the council conveyed Tuesday night, when it unanimously passed a resolution to waive all associated fees for any property wishing to annex itself into the city between now and the end of the year.
Source: Barrow County News

Winder passes curfew for juveniles
The City of Winder has implemented a curfew for its teenagers.
Source: Barrow County News

Duluth approves ordinance aimed at massage parlors
The city council in Duluth has approved an amendment aimed at tightening restrictions on massage parlors in the city.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

'Before I Die' prompts Savannah change in mural approval
A public art project has left lingering resentments in a Savannah neighborhood, which has prompted city officials to further refine a proposed policy outlining how such future projects will be approved.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Athens-Clarke Commission race draws two candidates
A longtime Athens-Clarke planning commissioner and a political newcomer are running for an open West Athens county commission seat.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Byron, state at odds over lighting of roundabout on Ga. 247 Connector
City Council and the Georgia Department of Transportation remain at odds over lighting a yet-to-be-built roundabout on the Ga. 247 Connector.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon mayor warns of legal fight over police and fire pensions
Mayor Robert Reichert pleaded with Macon City Council members Monday evening to present a united front in dealing with the pension board for police and fire department retirees, warning that the city faces a “perfect storm” of legal troubles.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Clarkston names first planning director
Clarkston recently named a former Cobb County worker as its first planning and development manager.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta leaders kick off Older Atlantans Month
In honor of Older Atlantans Month, Mayor Kasim Reed kicked off a celebration on Monday, May 7 at City Hall to pay tribute to Atlanta’s senior citizens.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Villa Rica to commemorate Freedom Riders anniversary
Several of the 1961 Freedom Riders who braved violent protests and incarceration during their 1961 civil rights bus ride through the South will be in Villa Rica Monday for an anniversary celebration.
Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian

More speed bumps for Bostwick?
Traffic calming devices have become popular in Bostwick.
Source: Morgan County Citizen

Harlem's new Public Safety building open for tours
After nearly a year of construction, Harlem officials are ready to unveil the city’s new public safety headquarters.
Source: Columbia County News Times

Extended pouring hours awaits Persons' signature or veto
The city council adopted an ordinance Monday to extend alcohol serving hours on Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, but the change won’t be effective tonight.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

City starts new initiative
Just last month, the city of Tallapoosa approved the creation and funding of a new initiative to promote the city and create interest in the town: My Town Tallapoosa.
Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian

Tallapoosa preps for summer concert series
Spring has officially arrived, which means it’s time again for the annual Possum Pickin’ Concert Series.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Vote likely on pouring referendum in Temple
The Temple City Council will once again take up the issue of Sunday alcohol sales, this time to consider calling for a referendum that would allow restaurants with a valid pouring license to serve liquor by the drink on Sundays.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Ball Ground OKs $1.67M budget
The Ball Ground City Council unanimously approved the second reading of its fiscal year 2012-13 budget on Thursday.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Suwanee's proposed city budget features lower property taxes
The service delivery settlement payments given to the City of Suwanee has allowed city officials to lower residents' property tax rates in the proposed 2013 budget.
Source: Gwinnett Daily Post

State funds could pave way for road projects
A resolution to support applying for infrastructure financing with the state will be considered by the Woodstock City Council during its meeting on Monday.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

City struggles with homeless problem in downtown area
While not on the scale of downtown Atlanta, the number of homeless people lingering about the Square and begging visitors for money is enough of a problem to merit attention, Mayor Steve Tumlin said.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Brochures, smart phone apps bring LaFayette's historic City Cemetery on Shaw Street to life
The stories of people buried at 23 gravesites in LaFayette's historic City Cemetery on Shaw Street will be brought to life in a yet-to-be-released cemetery walking tour brochure.
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press

LOST distribution: How Lowndes County, cities use their shares
Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) negotiations between city and county officials have reached a stalemate in the last month, with disagreements on how to split the projected $215 million over the next 10 years.
Source: Valdosta Daily Times

City, IDA to partner on business recruitment
The City of Bainbridge and the Development Authority will soon begin using computer software to help them pinpoint what type of businesses would thrive in Bainbridge, if they were recruited to come here.
Source: Bainbridge Post-Searchlight

City approves tax credits
Auburn City Council members approved a resolution Thursday night that may bring tax credits to a construction company looking to build apartments in the downtown area.
Source: Barrow County News

Sewer Delays Drift Downstream
Some communities downstream of Atlanta are concerned about a recent decision to give the city 13 more years to finish court-ordered sewer upgrades.
Source: GPB News

Peachtree City may double stormwater fees
Peachtree City officials are talking about the potential for doubling annual stormwater fees to handle some $8.2 million in future capital projects.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Peachtree City OK’s changes at City Hall, will create budget savings
To save money, Peachtree City is leaving its administrative services director position vacant and also eliminating a full-time customer service representative at City Hall.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Tyrone responds to residents’ suit over gun shop
A recent suit brought by eight Southampton subdivision residents and one business owner in the adjacent Southampton Village shopping center has received a response from Tyrone over a rezoning that allowed a proposed gun shop and indoor shooting range to locate in the retail center.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Peachtree City hikes rec participant fees
To help offset facility maintenance costs, Peachtree City has enacted a significant increase to its the per-participant charge to youth and adult sports associations.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Civil War may be over, but a new Battle of Jonesboro is brewing
Tonight’s Jonesboro City Council meeting is shaping up to be the modern-day Battle of Jonesboro.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Panel reviews merits of archaeology ordinance in Savannah
City of Savannah officials, with guidance from Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission staff, are beginning to explore whether the city should have a local ordinance that would require archaeological reviews before excavation and construction begins on city property.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Hitch Village being transformed into East Savannah Gateway
The Hitch Village public housing neighborhood sat as the aging anchor on Savannah’s eastside for 55 years until it was demolished in 2010 and left a largely vacant tract.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Tybee Island: Too much love
A growing number of events on Tybee — which means more visitors — is putting a strain on public services there, especially Tybee’s police department.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Effort begins to put liquor store initiative on November ballot
As almost an afterthought of Thursday’s Loganville Council meeting, Mike Hassinger stood up during the public comment portion and announced he is helping spearhead a petition drive for a ballot initiative to allow a liquor store inside city limits.
Source: Walton Tribune

Monroe approves contract selling water to county
In a city council meeting last week, Monroe officials approved a contract to sell water to the county.
Source: Walton Tribune

Two GPD officers honored at annual awards banquet
Two officers with the Griffin Police Department (GPD) were recognized during the Griffin Judicial Circuit Awards Banquet, held by District Attorney Scott Ballard and his staff on May 3 at First Baptist Church of Fayetteville.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Tough choices on Athens-Clarke budget
Athens-Clarke commissioners are set to approve a budget that limits cuts residents might notice, but includes little money for priorities like slowing neighborhood traffic, affordable housing and a downtown master plan.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Atlanta mayor honors "Father of Microcredit" Yunus
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has presented Muhammad Yunus with a Phoenix Award.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Three Macon departments get budget review Friday
The review of Macon’s proposed annual budget by the City Council’s Appropriations Committee focused on actual city departments Friday, after spending two days dealing with outside agencies the city helps fund.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Group home looking to re-establish in Hogansville
The owner of a controversial set of group homes is trying for the second time in two years to establish his business in a former Hogansville school.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

West Point Council to vote on Tasers
After months of debate that at times was contentious, West Point City Council will vote Monday night on whether to allow its police officers to carry Tasers.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

City council goes virtual with hearing
The Atlanta City Council went high-tech with its budget-review process this week, combining a virtual town hall meeting with a public hearing.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Gas prices force taxi drivers to ask Columbus Council for fare increases
Gasoline prices are making it tough for taxi drivers to make a living, a representative told Columbus Council on Tuesday.
Source: Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Proposed Cartersville budget down 7 pct
Cartersville's budget for fiscal year 2013 will be $11,084,755 less than it was for 2012, Finance Director Tom Rhinehart announced at the city council's budget meeting Thursday afternoon.
Source: Cartersville Daily Tribune News

Porterdale workshop to focus on Yellow River Park project
Porterdale's shared history with another mill village in Georgia will be highlighted at a visioning workshop Saturday, followed by a discussion of how that history and the town's assets can be used to enhance Porterdale's future.
Source: Newton Citizen

Kingsland readying tax district
A proposed development off Interstate 95 in Kingsland will help prove to Camden County voters whether tax allocation districts, also known as TADs, are as good as advertised.
Source: Brunswick News

Tumlin expands MHA board to 6 members
Mayor Steve Tumlin expanded the Marietta Housing Authority’s governing board from five members to six Wednesday night by appointing Kenneth L. Dollar of Marietta.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Lookout Mountain plans to gather developers’ ideas for town center
The city of Lookout Mountain is moving forward with plans to ask for developers’ help in creating a state-of-the-art town center.
Source: Catoosa County News

City wrestles with cost of improving fire services
Canton leaders continue to mull their options on how they can improve fire services while not overburdening the taxpayers.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Vote likely on pouring referendum in Temple
The Temple City Council will once again take up the issue of Sunday alcohol sales, this time to consider calling for a referendum that would allow restaurants with a valid pouring license to serve liquor by the drink on Sundays.
Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian

LOST in Limbo
Lowndes County’s municipal leaders met briefly Wednesday morning to continue discussions for the estimated $250 million Local Option Sales Tax revenue that will be generated during the next 10 years.
Source: Valdosta Daily Times

Commission members appointed by city council
After much discussion, the Tifton City Council decided to appoint Juanita Taylor to the Greater Tift County Planning and Zoning Commission, and they also appointed Bret Henderson and Bryce Johnson to the Tifton Historic Preservation Commission.
Source: Tifton Gazette

Leesburg approves utilities extension bid
The Leesburg City Council approved Hatcher Tractor Service's $668,634.72 low bid for a water and sewer extension project that will provide utilities for a new elementary school under construction at the corner of Robert B. Lee Drive and Lover's Lane Road.
Source: Albany Herald

Phillips makes top 3 on American Idol
Phillip Phillips is coming home. The Lee County Commission and The Leesburg City Council have adopted proclamations praising Phillips and officially making Saturday Phillip Phillips Day in the county and city.
Source: Albany Herald

Residents to pay more in Gainesville budget plan
Gainesville residents may pay higher taxes next year as city officials consider raising the tax millage rate to maintain services and increase pay for city workers.
Source: Gainesville Times

City approves tax credits
Auburn City Council members approved a resolution Thursday night that may bring tax credits to a construction company looking to build apartments in the downtown area.
Source: Barrow County News

Narrow banding comes to Auburn council
Auburn officials pushed the narrow banding issue to the forefront of their agenda Thursday night due to time constraints, but not without voicing some contingencies.
Source: Barrow County News

Mt. Airy approves funding for proposed UGA project
Bold new opportunities for the Town of Mt. Airy were discussed at the May 7 Mt. Airy Town Council and Mt. Airy Civic Association meetings.
Source: Northeast Georgian

Elected officials discuss possibility of countywide water-sewer collaboration
Eleven elected officials from Rincon, Springfield, Guyton and Effingham County discussed the possibility tonight of joining forces to provide water and sewer services.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Tybee police preparing for another big crowd
The growing number of events on Tybee Island, and the increasing popularity of long-standing ones, is bringing more visitors throughout the year but is also placing increasing demands on the city’s police department, which hasn’t added officers in several years.
Source: Savannah Morning News

More Macon agencies get budget hearings
Macon City Council continued its review of the proposed fiscal 2013 budget for a second day Thursday, reviewing the requests of five more outside agencies in Appropriations Committee hearings.
Source: Macon Telegraph

City tables request for church
The Griffin Board of Commissioners on Tuesday tabled a request for a church in a warehouse.
Source: Griffin Daily News

James Brown Boulevard to see streetscape improvements
The city of Augusta and the Downtown Development Authority have joined for a streetscape project on James Brown Boulevard from Laney-Walker Boulevard to Reynolds Street, according to the authority’s executive director, Margaret Woodard.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Augusta Commission could approve trash pickup change
Augusta officials are defending the proposed switch to weekly trash pickup as necessary to keep costs down and encourage recycling.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

SPLOST advisory choice left to Macon council
Macon City Council President James Timley indicates he will keep the choice of a new member for a tax advisory committee in his own hands, or those of the council, despite an angry demand for inclusion from Mayor Robert Reichert.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Fayetteville, Fayette eye partial consolidation of services
Discussions are underway between Fayetteville and Fayette County to potentially merge city and county services such as fire, water and building inspections.
Source: Fayette Citizen

City approves paving and other projects
While the passage of two alcohol sales ordinances took up a majority of time during this week's Douglasville City Council meeting, council members also approved several other items that included advertising for bids on some resurfacing projects and approving a zoning request for a new church.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Development Authority approves promotional package spending
Members of the Douglasville Development Authority continued its push to promote the city Tuesday by authorizing the purchase of about $5,650 worth of advertising.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

City council to allow voters to decide Sunday sales
The Douglasville City Council voted Monday to allow residents to vote on whether they want to allow the sale of packaged alcohol and extended pouring hours at Monday night’s meeting, but tabled a third to change the percentages of food to alcohol sales.
Source: Douglas County Sentinel

Hathorn appointed city judge
The Covington City Council has appointed local attorney Steven Hathorn as the city's new Municipal Court judge.
Source: Newton Citizen

Mumford resigns Municipal Court judgeship
Attorney Robert Mumford announced that he has resigned as Municipal Court judge of Porterdale, effective April 27.
Source: Rockdale Citizen

DDA approves $35K for demolition of Broad and Third Avenue property
The Downtown Development Authority has approved $35,000 for the demolition of a property at the intersection of Broad Street and East Third Avenue, the former Top Hat location.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

City gets grant to continue housing repair program for seniors
The city of Rome has won a new Community HOME Investment Program grant to continue a very active Moderate Home Repair program.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

A northbound lane on East 12th Street at Second Avenue is being converted to right-turn only
Relief is on the way for the often-congested intersection of Second Avenue and East 12th Street.
Source: Rome News-Tribune

Locust Grove joins online lodging lawsuit
The City of Locust Grove is joining forces with the City of Rome in a class-action lawsuit designed to retrieve online lodging reservation funds.
Source: Henry Daily Herald

Council unveils plan for new charter school
A plan to bring another charter school to Cherokee County by 2014 was unveiled publicly at the Holly Springs City Council meeting this week.
Source: Cherokee Tribune

Waco continues fire station upgrades
During their regularly scheduled meeting Monday, May 7, the Waco City Council approved renovations and upgrades to the interior and exterior of the fire station.
Source: Carrollton Times-Georgian

Neighbors protest RaceTrac proposal
About 50 residents turned out to Wednesday’s Marietta City Council meeting to oppose a requested zoning change that would allow construction of a 24-hour RaceTrac gas station off Powder Springs Street by County Services Road.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal

Farewell diesel fuel?
Waynesboro officials are tinkering with the idea of constructing a station to dispense compressed natural gas for high efficiency vehicles.
Source: Waynesboro True Citizen

City council recommits to being GMA City of Ethics Mon. night
The Washington City Council met in a called meeting Monday afternoon to renew its commitment to ethical standards, to authorize the mayor’s appointments to boards, commissions, and authorities, and to chose a company for the city’s liability insurance coverage.
Source: Washington News-Reporter

Cities offer LOST split; Paulk says proposal unacceptable
In preparation for today’s Local Option Sales Tax negotiations, city representatives released what they believe should be the municipalities’ share of the revenue during the next decade.
Source: Valdosta Daily Times

City receives grant for Myon Hotel
The Tifton City Council accepted a grant for the historic Myon Hotel at Monday’s night regular monthly meeting.
Source: Tifton Gazette

Sunday sales going back before voters
Woodbine city leaders have for the third time decided to put a referendum to voters regarding Sunday sales of alcohol by the drink.
Source: St. Marys Tribune and Georgian

Council prioritizes water, sewer projects with superintendent gone
Members of Gray’s City Council water committee met last week to reassess priorities for the water department following the departure of the city superintendent.
Source: Jones County News

Unadilla prepares to take over public works
In anticipation of the termination of the city’s contract with ESG which currently is handling public works, council members here are taking steps to prepare to resume operations themselves.
Source: Cordele Dispatch

County, towns to meet Monday on sales tax negotiations
Banks County officials will meet with representatives from towns in the county on Monday to discuss the negotiations for the local option sales tax (LOST).
Source: Banks County News

Senoia council to study sewer rates
Senoia city officials are looking at raising sewer rates after learning the sewer system is costing more than it is generating in revenues.
Source: Newnan Times-Herald

Richmond Hill council denies fence request
After considerable discussion, the Richmond Hill City Council voted 4-0 during their regularly scheduled meeting May 1 not to allow Francisco Bonilla to retain the entire fence he had built around his backyard at 370 Summer Hill Way.
Source: Savannah Morning News

Johns Creek seeks funds for transportation projects
The Public Works Department is preparing to apply for state and federal funds to improve the city's traffic signals, correct a slewed road and connect sidewalks.
Source: NorthFulton.com

Proposal may change eligibility for Macon police and fire pension board
A proposed city ordinance could defuse a membership dispute on the Macon Fire and Police Employees pension board or at least prevent a recurrence.
Source: Macon Telegraph

Macon begins budget review
Proposed city contributions to four nonprofit agencies got reviewed Wednesday afternoon by a Macon City Council committee.
Source: Macon Telegraph

City hiring armed security guard
The city of Griffin is hiring an armed security guard for the Customer Service office.
Source: Griffin Daily News

Richmond County's aerial photo finds fewer new taxable properties than expected
Some homeowners with secret swimming pools and garages unknown to Richmond County Chief Appraiser Alveno Ross might get a reprieve this year.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Hines to hold community meeting Saturday
The public will have an opportunity to learn more about planned changes to the city’s solid waste ordinance Saturday in the first of a series of community town hall-style meetings hosted by Ward II Commissioner Ivey Hines.
Source: Albany Herald

Expedited schedule set in Richmond County redistricting lawsuit
Parties impacted and seeking to intervene in a federal lawsuit over Augusta Commission and Richmond County school board district lines have until noon Tuesday to do so, according to an order from Judge J. Randal Hall, a U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Augusta transit workers' health insurance reinstated
Employee health insurance at the private contractor hired to run Augusta Public Transit last year has been reinstated, city officials said Wednesday.
Source: Augusta Chronicle

Housing authority wants local funding for Pauldoe redevelopment
The Athens Housing Authority is asking the Athens-Clarke Commission for local tax money to help redevelop a public housing complex.
Source: Athens Banner-Herald

Atlanta lands four more opportunity zones
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs has designated four more “opportunity zones” in the city of Atlanta.
Source: Atlanta Business Chronicle

Gainesville City Council gets 1st look at 2013 budget
Gainesville City Manager Kip Padgett will present a recommended budget to Gainesville City Council at its work session today.
Source: Gainesville Times

Bethlehem officials discuss eyesores, code violations
Town of Bethlehem officials met Monday night to discuss what can be done about possible code violations in Thornbrook subdivision.
Source: Barrow County News

Winder looks at finding additional sources of water
The City of Winder is moving forward at looking at new water sources – namely Fort Yargo Lake.
Source: Barrow County News

Public safety agencies propose mental health court
Troup County is likely to have a mental health court soon, operating like DUI and drug courts already in place. “Officers deal with a mental patient an average of one time every 48 hours,” said Lou Dekmar, LaGrange public safety chief.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

City will keep downtown loading zone
The Legacy Museum on Main – and six Main Street restaurants – will be able to keep their loading zone downtown.
Source: LaGrange Daily News

Fayetteville Council gives unanimous support to senior apartment
The project approved by the Fayetteville City Council last year that would establish a tax-credit-funded senior residential development in Fayetteville received a unanimous vote by council members May 6 in the form of a show of support for the project’s selection later this year.
Source: Fayette Citizen

Calhoun Police Department approved to get new fleet
The men in blue of Calhoun will be patrolling around in new cars, or at least they will be in the near future.
Source: Calhoun Times